Overview
Partner Schools
Services & Benefits
Culture & Community Service
Parent Involvement
Student Responsibilities
Summer Programs


Damien Scobie ‘12
“achieve has taught me so much about giving back to the community. I have always liked seeing other people happy but I thought that in order to do that I would have to do something really big. But now I know that it does not matter if what I do is big or small, there is someone who will appreciate it.”

Issam Hamdallah ‘12
“achieve has given me everything I need to succeed in life. They have given me a second family that I know I can always count on for support.”

Ruben Aguayo ‘13
“What I like best about the achieve program is the different activities and cultural experiences we share with each other, and all the wonderful help that we receive from the achieve mentors, that help us to stay in track and continue to succeed.”

Analis Ibarra ‘12
“achieve has taught me that helping others is not only a great way to give back to our community but also our duty as people. I have learned that being able to help others is very satisfying and rewarding.”

Tifanny Li ‘13
“achieve has taught me many values of giving back to my community, which has been a new experience for me and it has been truly rewarding.”

Angela McNeal '12
“One thing achieve has definitely taught me is how to explore the many college options available. I had already made up my mind on a certain college because I heard about it, but achieve has helped me to broaden my horizons. I now know that I will pick a college based on MY interests and needs, not on status.”

Ian David ‘12
“The greatest impact achieve has had on my life so far is knowing that I have a second family that loves and cares for me.”

Jorge Navarro ‘13
“achieve has taught me the importance of being selfless, connecting with others from various backgrounds, and the importance of making change happen by being an active member of my community.”

Gabriela Colmenares ‘13
“What I like best about the achieve Program is that they keep me on top of
my school work, and from the first day, work to prepare me for college.”

Jennifer Urdaneta '13
“I was really amazed when I realized that the achieve Program not only helps us financially, but they really do care about all of us. achieve has taught me that even though I do not have a lot of money, I can help my community in so many other ways.”

Luana Deng ‘13
“achieve has taught me to believe and succeed in everything and anything. achieve pushes and pushes you to reach all of your goals until one day you look back and smile at your accomplishments.”

Sara Sologaistoa ‘13
“achieve has taught me that no matter what, if you try hard and give your best, opportunities will always be there for you.”

Van Joseph Macasaet ‘13
"achieve has taught me that there are countless people in need. It makes me realize that my life is very fortunate and, I would be glad to lend a helping hand to those who need it the most."
Summer Programs

Summer may bring time off from school, but not from the many learning opportunities achieve participants pursue. We strive to provide our students enlightening and enriching adventures all year long. achieve staff meet with students towards the end of the school year to help plan their summer activities.


Internships
Students are encouraged to learn about the world of work through summer internships based on individual career interests. Students gain professional learning experiences that expand their horizons, introduce them to new people, and allow them to earn extra money. The program requires all students to work each summer. Each student receives a cash stipend of $250 with the remaining compensation being placed in an individual custodial savings account that they may use for colleges expenses.

Students also participate in other educational and leadership programs such as Girls Inc. Eureka!, SMASH, and various summer college enrichment programs.

The following organizations and businesses provided 2011 summer internships:

ABM Services, Inc.
Attune Foods
Baker Avenue Asset Management
Berkeley Art Museum
CAC Group
California Academy of Sciences
Center for Creative Land Recycling
CHORI
DFS Group Ltd.
Exploratorium
First Republic Bank
The Fresh Connection
G Hensler & Co.
Gerson Bakar & Associates
Jewish Community Center of San Francisco
Jewish Vocational Services
LBA Realty
Oakland Police Department
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Popchips
Sephora USA Inc.
SFMOMA
Sitzmann Morris & Lavis, Inc.
Telecare Corp.
UC Berkeley Haas School of Business
UCSF
Wild Planet Toys
Williams Sonoma


At achieve we are always looking to expand the summer internship choices for our students. achieve students are highly motivated young people with boundless energy and true leadership potential. If you would like to join our program by hosting an intern, please contact Adele Crady at acrady@achieveprogram.org or call at 415.576-8100.


Summer Study
Incoming Mercy and Riordan freshmen are required to attend summer school. Achieve staff provide study skills support to assist students in their transition to high school.

Rising seniors are required to attend both group and individual sessions focusing on test preparation (SAT and ACT), college research and application process, financial aid, and writing the college essay. Our goal is, by the start of the school year, that all seniors have a firm list of colleges that meet their academic, financial and social needs---the perfect “fit”.